Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
A fresh soulful approach to the music of the Great American Songbook. Standards, Bossa Nova, Swing. New arrangements that incorporate asoulful rhythmic nature to timeless classics.
My Band is called Sharon Marie Cline & The Bad Boyz of Jazz.
When did you start performing?
I began performing in high school with different bands and orchestras. I was a soloist with the jacksonville Pops Orchestra. Then I spent a few years in Florida doing regional theatre and musical theater, performing in small bars with local musicians.
As I moved to California, I began to meet great musicians who toured with top acts like Nancy Wilson, Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder and Santana, etc. When they were in town they played with me. I began collecting a very fine stable of Top tier musicians that I call The Bad Boyz of Jazz.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
Los Angeles is my hometown. It is a big pond of top class — world class– musicians. Competition is steep. So I need to always be at the top of my form. It is a city full of musicians AND a city full of opportunities.
What performers have been your inspiration?
Barbara Streisand for her emotional phrasing and vocal power
Frank Sinatra for his rhythmic phrasing and playful cool nature
Sarah Vaughan for her deep range and the way she played with notes
Chet Baker for his pure haunting tone
Diana Krall for her laid back style
Rachelle Farrell for her her broad range and fearless vocal nature
And so many many more!
What do you base your success on?
I work hard. I dont give up. I work with the best so I learn from the best. I continue to study and challenge myself. And I LOVE what I do.
What was your latest musical release?
Single Release- Love Will Follow. Soulful, contemporary jazz release in Oct 2022. It is still doing well on digital platform playlists.
Do you have any news to share?
We are working on a Music Video of Love Will Follow to release before the end of the year.
How can fans find you?
Facebook- @Sharon Marie Cline
Instagram- @Sharon Marie Cline
YouTube- the Sharon Marie Cline Experience
Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Tidal, iHeart, SoundCloud and more
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
I love what I do. Creating and sharing the music I feel deep inside. I love to also create concert experiences, I call them Love Fests, where my band and I come together and just share of love of music, share our years of dedication to jazz music in a relatable way. And I watch audience after audience get inspired and touched by what we share. My goal is to always inspire my audiences to feel better when they leave a concert of mine than when they walked through the door at the beginning of the night. And to feel lighter when they listen to a song of mine on the radio or online. My desire is to enliven one’s connection to their heart when they listen to my music.